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Public Health at University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,913/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #194 of 213 Public Health programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$462K	$463K	$444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.5x	15.5x	14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,844

Out-of-state: $99,236 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,460

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

9.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,255

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,913/yr fall 28% below the $38,916 national median for Public Health. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 15.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $27,913/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #194 ranking among 213 Public Health programs places University of North Carolina Asheville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $27,913 to $40,255 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of North Carolina Asheville

University of North Carolina Asheville has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,790 in Asheville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Asheville →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of North Carolina Asheville

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at University of North Carolina Asheville?

At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Health programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Health at University of North Carolina Asheville?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of North Carolina Asheville a good choice for Public Health despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Asheville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →